atenolol / chlorthalidone

• Risk factors: Stopping Tenoretic (atenolol / chlorthalidone) suddenly | Coronary artery disease

Don’t stop taking Tenoretic (atenolol / chlorthalidone) suddenly. It can raise your risk of serious heart problems, like chest pain or heart attack.

Get medical help right away if you have chest tightness, chest pain that spreads to your arms and neck, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue. These can be signs of serious heart problems.

If you need to stop taking Tenoretic (atenolol / chlorthalidone) for any reason, talk to your prescriber first. They can help lower your dose safely over about a week or so before stopping completely.

• Risk factors: Congestive heart failure

In some cases, Tenoretic (atenolol / chlorthalidone) might raise the risk of heart failure. This is because beta blockers (like the atenolol in Tenoretic) can slow down your heart. This can cause your heart muscle to pump less often. If you already have heart failure, your healthcare professional (HCP) will only prescribe this medication if they believe the benefits outweigh the risks. They might follow up with you more often during treatment.

Talk to your HCP if you notice signs of heart failure. Watch for swelling in your feet or ankles, fast or irregular pulse, or shortness of breath when you lie down.

• Risk factors: Taking calcium channel blockers | Currently have or have had heart rhythm problems or other heart problems

Let your prescriber know if you're taking any calcium channel blockers, like verapamil or diltiazem (Cardizem). Taking these medications with Tenoretic (atenolol / chlorthalidone) can slow your heartbeat or cause heart block, which can be dangerous. Share a list of all your medications with your prescriber so they can help check for interactions.

• Risk factors: History of asthma | History of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | History of lung problems

Tell your prescriber if you have any breathing problems, like asthma. Beta blocker medications, like Tenoretic (atenolol / chlorthalidone), can cause the airways in your lungs to tighten. This can make it harder to breathe for people with lung problems.

Tenoretic (atenolol / chlorthalidone) has a lower chance of causing breathing problems than some other beta blockers because atenolol mainly affects the heart. But you should still be aware of this risk. Keep a rescue inhaler nearby in case you have sudden trouble breathing if you have lung problems.

• Risk factors: History of kidney problems

Your body gets rid of Tenoretic (atenolol / chlorthalidone) using your kidneys. If your kidneys aren't working well, more medication can build up in your body and lead to side effects. Additionally, Tenoretic (atenolol / chlorthalidone) can sometimes cause certain waste products to build up.

Let your HCP know if you have a history of kidney problems. They might check your kidney function more often. In some cases, they might need to adjust your dose of Tenoretic (atenolol / chlorthalidone) to keep you safe.

• Risk factors: History of kidney or liver problems | Dehydration

Tenoretic (atenolol / chlorthalidone) can make your body lose fluids. It can also cause changes to the levels of your electrolytes, like potassium, sodium, and chloride. Your risk might be higher if you have kidney problems. And if you have liver problems, small changes in fluid and electrolyte levels can raise your risk for liver complications.

Tell your care team if you have dry mouth, weakness, muscle cramps, tiredness, fast or irregular heart rate, nausea, or vomiting. These can be signs of abnormal electrolyte levels. Your HCP might have you get regular blood work to check your electrolyte levels while taking Tenoretic (atenolol / chlorthalidone).

• Risk factors: Diabetes | Fasting (e.g., related to getting surgery, not eating regularly, vomiting)

There's a risk that the atenolol in Tenoretic can make it harder for you to notice signs of low blood sugar. Some signs, such as fast heartbeat, tremors, and irritability, might not be as noticeable. Sweating might be the only sign you have warning you of low blood sugar levels. This is especially important people with diabetes to know. Speak with your HCP about when and how to check your blood sugar if you start Tenoretic (atenolol / chlorthalidone).

• Risk factors: Hyperthyroidism

If you have hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone), talk to your HCP before stopping Tenoretic (atenolol / chlorthalidone). This medication can hide signs of hyperthyroidism, like a fast heart rate. Suddenly stopping the medication can worsen symptoms of hyperthyroidism. It can also lead to a serious condition called a "thyroid storm," which can cause high fever and rapid heartbeat.

• Risk factors: History of gout

The chlorthalidone component of Tenoretic can raise the uric acid levels in your body. This can sometimes lead to gout. Make sure to tell your prescriber if you've had a history of gout before starting this medication. They can tell you what signs to look out for, such as swollen, red, and painful joints.

• Risk factors: Pregnant | Breastfeeding

Taking Tenoretic (atenolol / chlorthalidone) during pregnancy or while breastfeeding can possibly harm your baby. If you're pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your prescriber or obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) about the risks and benefits. They can help find a safer option for you.